THE Learning Disabilities and Autism Keyworker Programme Team at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight has been shortlisted in the Health Service Journal (HSJ) awards for their work with children and young people who are at risk of hospital admission.

To help reduce hospital admissions or reduce the length of stay if admitted, the team of keyworkers work with local partners to ensure that children and young people have the right access to the care and support that they need in the community.

The team are finalists in the ‘Innovation and Improvement in Reducing Healthcare Inequalities’ Award category in the 2024 HSJ awards.

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The team have been working to reduce hospital admissions, increase attendance at education settings and improve the quality of life for children and young people and their families.

Tina Woodcock, service lead for the Learning Disability and Autism Keyworker Programme at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: “The team has been working closely with people under 25 years old who have a learning disability or Autism to prevent them from being admitted to hospital and to ensure they can get the care that they need within the community. This means that they don’t miss out on their education, community activities and are able to continue to see family and friends on a regular basis.

“We engage with local social care, community and education partners to offer support and solutions to work in a joined-up way to ensure that the young person and their family have an active part within the decision-making process.”

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Two further schemes across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have also been shortlisted for an HSJ Award:

  • The Isle of Wight Dementia strategy is a finalist for the ‘Place-based Partnership and Integrated Care’ Award
  • The Hampshire Hospitals Foundation Trust (HHFT) Catering team is a finalist in the ‘Towards Net Zero’ Award.

Jenny Erwin, mental health, learning disabilities and autism and children’s care director at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight said: “I am delighted that these initiatives have been recognised by the HSJ awards and I wish the teams the best of luck at the awards ceremony which takes place in London in November.”